Maui Kayakers Capsized in Windy Conditions Rescued

Mākena, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Rescue personnel were dispatched to assist a two females who were aboard a kayak that capsized and became separated from others in their group by windy conditions in South Maui on Sunday afternoon.

The incident was reported at 12:27 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2014, in the area of La Perouse Bay.

Officials say the two individuals were part of a larger group that included six people on three kayaks, with two individuals aboard each kayak.

According to Fire Department reports, the group launched from La Perouse Bay with the intent to paddle to Mākena, but the kayakers decided to turn around and head back to the bay when they started to encounter windy conditions.

“As they were making their way back, they realized that the third kayak with two females on it were missing,” said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

Officials say the individuals aboard the first kayak, who got separated from the other two vessels, called 911 when they made it to shore.

Crews aboard the Maui Fire Department’s Air-1 helicopter located the second kayak, which also made it to shore, according to department reports.

The third kayak was located approximately 500 yards off shore, and the two females were located in the water by Ocean Safety personnel aboard a rescue watercraft, said FS Chief Mainaga.

Both individuals were wearing personal flotation devices, officials said.

The two couples that were in the first two kayaks that made it to shore were picked up by a fire crew from Ladder-14 out of Wailea.

Officials say all kayakers were local Maui residents, and no injuries were reported.